Elements of Hindu Iconography v3.c19.31

v3.c19.31

The goddess Durgā may have four, eight or more hands, should have three eyes and be of dark complexion. She should have a handsome look with a well developed bust, stout thighs and big hip, and be clad in yellow garments. The head should be adorned with a karaṇḍa-makuṭa, and the body decked with all ornaments. The front right hand should be in the abhaya pose, and the back one should carry the chakra. The front left hand should be in the kaṭaka pose and the back one should carry the śaṅkha. The image of Durgā should be made to stand erect upon a padmāsana, (See Pl. C.), or on the head of a buffalo, or be seated on the back of a lion. Her breasts should be bound with a snake, and a red bodice should cover the upper portion of her body. The Supra-bhēdāgama calls her ‘the dear younger sister of Viṣṇu’, and informs us that she came out of the Ādiśakti. According to this work she may have either eight or four hands; and when she has eight hands, they have to carry the śaṅkha, chakra, śūla, dhanus, bāṇa, khaḍga, khēṭaka, and pāśa. (See Pls. XCIX and CI).